If you’ve been searching for a guilt-free comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor, look no further than this delightful Low Carb Pizza Casserole. Packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tangy marinara, this dish is perfect for those pizza cravings without the pesky carbs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Packed: The combination of Italian sausage and pepperoni ensures every bite is bursting with bold flavors.
- Low Carb Hero: The cauliflower base makes it a carb-conscious choice without sacrificing texture.
- Customizable: It’s simple to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep, this dish comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is all about blending classic pizza flavors with a nutritious twist. Each ingredient plays a unique role in creating the savory, indulgent nature of this dish. Let’s break them down:
- Cauliflower florets: Acts as the perfect low-carb base, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Pepperoni: Adds that classic pizza aroma and spicy kick.
- Italian Sausage: Provides hearty flavor and richness.
- Olive Oil: A touch for sautéing brings out the umami in vegetables.
- Mushrooms: These add earthy flavors and moisture.
- Green Pepper: Offers vibrant color and a fresh crunch.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty and gooey, making every mouthful indulgent.
- Low Carb Pasta Sauce: We use Rao’s for a tangy, luscious sauce with minimal carbs.
- Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch for a cheesy crust on top.
- Italian Seasoning: Enhances all the intricate flavors beautifully.
Variations
One of the beauties of this Low Carb Pizza Casserole is how effortlessly it adapts to various tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ways to personalize your casserole while keeping it deliciously satisfying!
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the sausage with hearty chickpeas or additional veggies.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different spin on meltiness.
How to Make Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower
Begin by placing the cauliflower florets into a microwave-safe bowl with a cup of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for about three minutes or until tender. Be careful not to overcook, as you want them to maintain some bite.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned, about 15 minutes. Drain the excess fat. Add olive oil to the same pan and sauté the mushrooms for 10 minutes to remove the excess moisture, then set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a greased 13×9-inch casserole dish, spread ½ cup of pasta sauce on the bottom. In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Spread half of the mix in the casserole dish, followed by more sauce, half the pepperonis, and top with mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients and finish with Parmesan cheese and reserved pepperoni slices. Bake for 30 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted.
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Pizza Casserole
- Texture Perfection: Don’t over-steam the cauliflower to maintain a satisfying crunch in each bite.
- Flavor Boost: Use Italian sausage with fennel for an extra burst of authentic flavor.
- Layer Love: Pressing the pepperoni slightly into the layers ensures it melds wonderfully with the cheese.
- Cheese Magic: For a more golden crust, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
How to Serve Low Carb Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Top your Low Carb Pizza Casserole with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a fragrant finish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a pleasant heat for those who like it spicy.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, which echo the healthy theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a visually appealing and warm presentation. Alternatively, serve in wide bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese for a cozy, inviting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It makes for a quick and easy weekday meal!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Place the baked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in a microwave or pop the entire casserole back in an oven preheated to 350°F until hot throughout, usually about 20 minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use other vegetables in the Low Carb Pizza Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other low-carb veggies like zucchini, spinach, or eggplant to personalize your casserole.
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Is there a dairy-free option for this casserole?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives available at most grocery stores to make this dish suitable for dairy-free diets.
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What type of Italian sausage should I use?
Opt for mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference, and make sure to use ground sausage or remove the casing if using links.
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How can I ensure my casserole is not too watery?
Make sure to pat the steamed cauliflower dry and thoroughly cook the mushrooms to release their water before layering them into the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish to satisfy those pizza cravings while keeping things light and healthy. Its warm, cheesy goodness makes it a fabulous choice for family dinners or meal prepping. Give it a try, and let this delightful casserole find a regular spot at your table!
Print
Low Carb Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Pizza Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic pizza into a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying bake that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. Made with cauliflower, sausage, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella, it’s an easy comfort food with a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Vegetables
- 14 ounces Cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
Proteins
- 2.5 ounces Pepperoni
- 2 pounds Italian Sausage, removed from casing
Other Vegetables
- 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 Green Pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
Dairy
- 12 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, powdered
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1.5 cups Low Carb Pasta Sauce (e.g., Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for approximately 3 minutes until tender. Drain, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage for about 15 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté mushrooms over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until excess water evaporates. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the casserole dish: Spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread ½ cup of pasta sauce evenly on the bottom.
- Combine vegetables and meats: In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, cooked sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers until well mixed.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the mixture into the dish, then top with ½ cup of pasta sauce, half of the pepperoni slices pressed into the mixture, and 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella.
- Add remaining layers: Spread the remaining mixture evenly, top with remaining pepperoni slices (reserve about 10 for the top), ½ cup of pasta sauce, and 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
- Season the top: Mix Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in a small bowl and sprinkle over the casserole. Place the reserved pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the Italian seasoning mixture.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of casserole)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
